Death and Dying in the Eastern Cape

The report includes case studies as well as opinion pieces that detail problems such as shortages of medicines and basic equipment at the province’s health facilities. The report also details instances of poor patient care. The publication has been endorsed by a coalition of civil society groups, medical associations as well as unions under the banner of the Eastern Cape Health Crisis Coalition. The coalition was formed in May 2013.

Dozens of people recently testified before the South African Human Rights Commission about the Eastern Cape’s lack of emergency medical services and patient transport. Testimonies paint a stark picture of the thin line between life and death in the rural Eastern Cape.